Streaming Wars Heat Up: ‘His & Hers’ Unseats ‘Stranger Things’ – What It Means for Netflix and Beyond
The streaming landscape continues to shift, and January 2026 marked a significant moment: Netflix’s limited series His & Hers dethroned Stranger Things as the most-watched title, amassing 2.24 billion viewing minutes. This isn’t just a win for Netflix; it signals evolving viewer preferences and the power of a compelling, twisty narrative.
The Rise of the Limited Series
His & Hers’ success highlights the growing appeal of limited series. Unlike ongoing, multi-season shows, these offer a contained story with a clear beginning and end. This format caters to audiences seeking a complete narrative experience without a long-term commitment. The “perhaps overly twisty” nature of the indicate, as noted by The Hollywood Reporter, seems to have resonated with viewers.
‘Stranger Things’ Still a Force, But Vulnerable
While Stranger Things slipped to second place with 1.91 billion minutes viewed, it remains a streaming giant. However, its seven-week reign at the top being broken demonstrates that even the most popular shows aren’t immune to competition. The release of His & Hers immediately following the conclusion of Stranger Things 5 likely played a role in capturing viewers’ attention.
Paramount+ and HBO Max Gain Momentum
Netflix isn’t the only winner. Paramount+ saw Landman reach a series high of 1.77 billion viewing minutes, while HBO Max’s The Pitt crossed the billion-minute mark for the first time. These successes indicate that viewers are diversifying their streaming subscriptions and exploring content beyond Netflix’s offerings. Peacock’s The Traitors also experienced significant growth, increasing its viewership by over 66% compared to the previous year.
Movies Still Matter in the Streaming Era
Streaming isn’t solely about series. The Rip, starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, topped the movie charts with 1.39 billion minutes of watch time. A documentary about the making of Stranger Things’ final season also performed well, demonstrating continued interest in behind-the-scenes content. This suggests that a strong film library remains a crucial component of a successful streaming service.
Nielsen Ratings: A Limited View of the Picture
It’s key to remember that Nielsen’s streaming ratings only measure viewing on TV sets within the U.S. They don’t account for viewing on computers or mobile devices, meaning the actual viewership numbers are likely higher. This limitation should be considered when interpreting the data.
Pro Tip:
Streaming services are increasingly focusing on original content to attract and retain subscribers. The success of shows like His & Hers, Landman, and The Pitt underscores the importance of investing in high-quality, exclusive programming.
What’s Next for Streaming?
The competition among streaming services will only intensify. Expect to see:
- More limited series: The format’s popularity will likely lead to increased production of contained, narrative-driven shows.
- Increased investment in original content: Services will continue to prioritize exclusive programming to differentiate themselves.
- Bundling and partnerships: We may see more services offering bundled subscriptions or partnering with other companies to expand their reach.
- Data-driven content creation: Streaming services will leverage data analytics to identify viewer preferences and develop content that resonates with their target audiences.
FAQ
Q: What does it mean that ‘His & Hers’ beat ‘Stranger Things’?
A: It shows that even hugely popular shows can be overtaken by compelling latest content, and highlights the appeal of limited series.
Q: Are Nielsen ratings the only way to measure streaming success?
A: No, Nielsen ratings only measure TV viewership in the U.S. And don’t include viewing on other devices.
Q: What is driving the growth of streaming services like Paramount+ and HBO Max?
A: Investment in original content, like Landman and The Pitt, is attracting new subscribers and increasing engagement.
Q: Will movies continue to be important on streaming platforms?
A: Yes, a strong film library remains a key component of a successful streaming service, as demonstrated by the performance of The Rip.
Did you know? The success of The Traitors on Peacock demonstrates the potential for reality TV to drive significant viewership on streaming platforms.
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